In Guatemala, it is estimated that 60% of children living in the indigenous Chorti communities suffer from stunting. Along with malnutrition, one of the main causes of child stunting is their contact with poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions. Therefore, the household environment in which children are raised heavily influences their growth and cognitive development. The Chorti people currently live in homes with soil flooring that is prone to contamination accumulation from outdoors. The children are highly exposed to fecal contamination from playing outdoors with the vegetation, animals and garbage. Our client, Action Against Hunger, gave our team the task of helping the Chorti families reduce stunting rates amongst their children. Our team performed a field visit in November of 2018 to see the Chorti communities and personally meet the main user of our design solution. The main observations were:

• Most houses did not have a water network. They need to fetch water at the closest source and store it at a water tank.

• Most houses did not have a toilet or latrine. They defecated out in the open in the vegetation nearby. 

• All communities were far away from the cities and located in the mountains. Communities and houses were distant from each other. A pick up truck is the only way to arrive at the communities   

 

After compiling all observations and data from the field visit, our team developed key design objectives:

• Reduce exposure and transmission of soil contamination to children

• Maximize cleanability and durability

• Minimize costs for AAH and Chorti families

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Design alternatives and concepts were developed through the use of TRIZ, SCAMPER and 4-3-5 methods which were then evaluated using a Pugh Table. The best design alternatives identified were the Earthen Floor, Bamboo Flooring and a Palm Fibre Reinforced Concrete floor. Each alternative was suggested to satisfy the unique nature of the Chorti households, and to employ the resources locally available. The final design chosen was the Earthen Floor as it better satisfied the clients and users objectives and constraints.  ​

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In April of 2019, our team presented our final design in a showcase amongst other 22 engineering multidisciplinary teams at the University of Toronto. We were able to deliver a poster, a design prototype, a cost analysis and an implementation trial plan. Our final report will be examined by Action Against Hunger who will decide whether the our design will be actually be implemented. This team project showcased my engineering judgement and design skills. I utilized problem solving analysis design evaluation methods and demonstrated communication skills through written reports. This project also developed my interpersonal and teamwork skills to help solve a real world problem. 

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